The partnership between the University and Charnwood Forest Geopark covers everything from research and education, to science outreach and support for local communities.
Charnwood Forest is home to some of the oldest animal fossils ever discovered and contains rocks from six different geological periods and countless examples of the region’s cultural heritage. Geopark projects include conservation work, schools outreach, arts programmes, and interpretation infrastructure.
It is hoped that in the coming years an application can be made to UNESCO, the UN’s education, science, and cultural organisation, to become a Global Geopark. The Geopark includes well-known sites such as Bradgate Park and Beacon Hill, but also hidden gems like Morley Quarry and Hill Hole Nature Reserve.
Professor Dan Parsons, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Loughborough University, and Charnwood Forest Regional Park Board Chair Cllr Martin Cartwright signed the agreement, which builds on existing ties between the two organisations. Many of the University’s world-leading sports facilities lie within the Geopark, and over the last academic year several field trips for students and conferences have visited Charnwood Forest’s world-famous geological sites.
Professor Parsons said: “The University, the local region and the community it serves are all enriched by Charnwood Forest. The park contains some of the most famous fossils in the world, which preserve a record of the explosion of life on earth millions of years ago. The park also preserves a rich range of cultural heritage sites. I am delighted to formally align our organisations to advance the work of the Geopark and further support through our research and education endeavors.”
Cllr Cartwright said: “This agreement opens up so many possibilities for both of our organisations. As we build towards our application to UNESCO, we want to ensure that Charnwood Forest is properly conserved and celebrated. By working with Loughborough University we can ensure our work is shaped by the very best research, and that our local communities benefit from the designation.”
Loughborough University announces agreement with local geopark
Pictured from the left is Dr Jack Matthews, Charnwood Forest Regional Park Board Chair, Cllr Martin Cartwright, Jo Jennings, Visiting member of Loughborough University, and Professor Dan Parsons, Loughborough University's Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation
Loughborough University has announced a wide-ranging agreement with the organisation behind Charnwood Forest’s bid to become a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Notes for editors
Press release reference number: PR 24/173
Loughborough University
Loughborough is one of the country’s leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines.
It has been awarded five stars in the independent QS Stars university rating scheme and named the best university in the world for sports-related subjects in the 2024 QS World University Rankings – the eighth year running.
Loughborough is ranked 6th in The UK Complete University Guide 2025, 10th in the Guardian University League Table 2024 and 10th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.
Loughborough is consistently ranked in the top twenty of UK universities in the Times Higher Education’s ‘table of tables’, and in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 over 90% of its research was rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally-excellent’. In recognition of its contribution to the sector, Loughborough has been awarded seven Queen's Anniversary Prizes.
The Loughborough University London campus is based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and offers postgraduate and executive-level education, as well as research and enterprise opportunities. It is home to influential thought leaders, pioneering researchers and creative innovators who provide students with the highest quality of teaching and the very latest in modern thinking.
Charnwood Forest Geopark
Geoparks are areas of outstanding geology that are used by local communities, alongside their cultural and natural heritage, to promote sustainable economic development, conservation, and education.
Charnwood Forest has a geological story that dates back nearly 600 million years, and is home to some of the oldest animal fossils ever described. The Charnwood Forest Geopark, supported by the Charnwood Forest Landscape Partnership Scheme, will be working with partners, communities, and businesses across the region to celebrate and promote learning about our unique heritage, support sustainable geotourism, and protect local sites. It is hoped that in the coming years an application will be submitted to become a UNESCO Global Geopark.
The Charnwood Forest Landscape Partnership Scheme
In 2020 Leicestershire’s Charnwood Forest was awarded a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant of £2,767,300 to put this little-known heritage landscape very firmly on the map. This unique region is of international significance, but very few people are aware of its value – even locally. The landscape is currently at risk from a number of pressures, and this grant supports a number of projects to protect and enhance it.
The grant, made possible by money raised by National Lottery players, funds the Charnwood Forest Landscape Partnership Scheme. This five-year scheme promotes awareness and understanding of the importance of Charnwood Forest through 18 projects that include geological conservation; habitat restoration; improvements to connections between sites for visitors; the creation of innovative interpretation; outdoor learning opportunities for young people and adults; and a programme of cultural and heritage activities and events.
The Charnwood Forest Landscape Partnership Scheme is hosted by the National Forest Company. The Partnership comprises: Bradgate Park Trust, British Geological Survey, Charnwood Arts, Charnwood Borough Council, Environment Agency, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, Leicestershire County Council, Leicestershire Local Access Forum, Leicestershire Promotions, Leicestershire & Rutland Sport, Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust, National Farmers Union, National Forest Company, Natural England, North West Leicestershire District Council, Soar Catchment Partnership with Trent Rivers Trust, Sustainable Land Trust, and Voluntary Action Leicestershire.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Using money raised by the National Lottery, we inspire, lead and resource the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future. www.heritagefund.org.uk
Follow @HeritageFundUK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLotteryHeritageFund
Charnwood Forest Geopark: About Us
Charnwood Forest is Britain’s unexpected upland. Having begun its journey nearly 600 million years ago in the seas of the southern hemisphere, this very special region has continued to develop rich layers of heritage. We are home to some of the oldest animal fossils ever described, and have quarries whose stone has shaped not only our quiet villages, but also many English cities. Our landscape is defined by crag-topped hills, wooded valleys, heathlands, and grasslands. Shaded lanes reveal Arts and Craft cottages, ancient monasteries, and drystone walls.
However, our region’s value and beauty are hidden from many communities, despite being on the doorstep of cities, towns and villages. This puts Charnwood Forest at risk: if people are not passionate about our region, they will not understand its importance and, ultimately, the features that make it special risk being forgotten and lost.
So, the story of Charnwood Forest needs to be told: celebrating our internationally important geology, connecting people to our history, and securing a sustainable future. That's why we're creating Charnwood Forest Geopark!
The Charnwood Forest Geopark is being developed as part of the Charnwood Forest Landscape Partnership Scheme. This five-year scheme is promoting awareness and understanding of Charnwood Forest through 18 projects, developed and implemented by 17 partner organisations. In 2020 we were awarded a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant to support this work. It is the aspiration of Charnwood Forest to become a UNESCO Global Geopark.